Overview & Reviews

When the original Honda CR-V debuted in the late 1990s, its mission was simple: to offer a distinct alternative to more mainstream mid- and full-size large SUVs. With its car-based design, economical four-cylinder engine and sedanlike ride and handling, the CR-V was an instant hit. Priced competitively and offering plenty of passenger room and cargo capacity for most people's needs, the Honda CR-V has long enjoyed strong sales numbers and much loyalty from consumers.

Today, the compact- or small-SUV segment has grown to include more than a dozen different models, with varying philosophies of what constitutes the perfect blend of size, power and capability. While some models offer more powerful upgrade engines and others can deliver true off-road capability, the Honda CR-V remains focused on its more practical aspirations. True to form, it is one of the best choices available in the all-important areas of being both easy to drive and family-friendly.

Current Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is offered in familiar LX, EX and EX-L trim levels. Even the LX comes pretty well equipped, while the EX and EX-L get additional convenience and luxury features. The EX-L is also eligible for either a navigation system or a rear-seat entertainment system. You can't get the navigation and the DVD systems together, however.

Powering all CR-Vs is a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that's good for 185 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed transmission. On all models, front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

The newest Honda CR-V's list of merits is a long one. Its interior is intelligently thought out and boasts strong fit and finish. Its ride is more comfortable and quieter than before, and handling and steering remain high points. Its major shortcoming concerns passing power in certain circumstances. We've found the CR-V's acceleration peppy enough around town, but somewhat sluggish during merging and passing maneuvers on gradients. However, as long as your beaten path doesn't include many steep roads or overly heavy loads, the Honda CR-V should provide all the room, refinement and performance you will ever need.

Used Honda CR-Vs
The current, fourth-generation CR-V was redesigned for 2012. Changes were of the more evolutionary sort, as its size, basic interior packaging and engine were similar to the previous model. Key alterations included a quieter and more comfortable ride, additional features and a backseat that flipped down from levers in the trunk.

The third generation of the Honda CR-V was produced from 2007-'11. Compared to the previous-generation CR-V, this one had few key improvements, including a new liftgate (instead of the previous side-mounted door with an outside-mounted spare tire), improved handling and steering, and the option for a navigation system for the first time.

Trim levels included the traditional LX and EX, plus the EX-L -- the L signifying leather upholstery (along with heated front seats). CR-Vs from 2007-'09 made 166 hp versus 180 hp for the following two years. A five-speed automatic transmission was standard across the board, and all trims could be had with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Those looking for maximum luxury in a CR-V should know that the EX-L gained a power driver seat, automatic climate control and a premium stereo for 2008. An SE trim level, which slotted between the traditional LX and EX trims, was made for just the final year of this generation.

In reviews, we've found this CR-V to be a very well-rounded model. High points included a comfortable and sensible interior, top crash test scores and agile handling. Elevated amounts of road noise might be a problem for some shoppers, as would be the engine's modest power, but overall this CR-V should be a great choice for a used small crossover SUV.

Produced from 2002-'06, the second-generation CR-V boasted a number of improvements compared to the original CR-V, including more power, more interior room and improved passenger protection. It was available in base LX or uplevel EX trim. The EX had more features, as well as standard antilock brakes and side airbags for the entire run (the LX didn't get them as standard until 2005), so picking an EX might be a wise idea. Notably, stability control and side and side curtain airbags became standard across the lineup in '05. The Special Edition model, available only in 2005 and '06, included exterior styling tweaks, a hard spare tire cover and heated leather seats and mirrors.

Power came from a 2.4-liter four cylinder rated at 160 hp, though this number dropped to 156 hp in 2006 due to a revised rating procedure. The LX had standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive, while the EX was AWD-only until 2006, when a FWD version was also made available. Both LX and EX initially came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but from 2005 onward the manual was limited to the EX. The other transmission, an automatic, had four speeds until 2005, when it was upgraded to five.

In reviews, our editors lauded the second-generation CR-V's comfortable ride and refined powertrains, though the significant road noise at speed was deemed regrettable. Some of us found the four-cylinder a bit meek, but its smooth power delivery and reasonable efficiency were mentioned as admirable traits. All in all, the second-generation CR-V was roundly praised when new and remains a solid choice on the used-car market.

The original first-generation Honda CR-V compact SUV was produced from 1997-2001. It was priced competitively and offered more passenger room and cargo capacity than its peers. A manual transmission was added in 1998, and a welcome 20-hp boost the following year gave it a new output of 146 hp. In 2000, a leather-trimmed SE (Special Edition) model was added to lead the model lineup.

User Reviews:

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  Great car for a great price! - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Amanda - May 7 - 10:36 am

  I had a 2005 TSX that I traded in for the CRV so we would have more space for our new baby. It took us a while to decide what we wanted, but after having the car for only about a week, Im glad we made the choice we did. I love the car!! You get a lot for your money! It drives really well and feel like a luxury car!

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  Better than my RAV-4 - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By isitfriday - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I had leased Toyota Rav-4s prior to this lease. We wanted more leg room, and more cargo room but we were not yet ready to make the leap to a larger SUV (mostly due to the extra costs). The CRV is great, tons of leg room for the back seat people, and more cargo room in the back. Still need to take a tire off of one of our mountain bikes to get it in the back, but oh well. Drives well, much less road noise than the Rav- 4 had, but still not silent like a Lexus... Gas milage is okay, but not great, but it has 4 wheel drive, so that must be the reason. All in all, i am very pleased with the Honda CRV, this is my first Honda and I am very impressed.

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  1st large vehicle - 2010 Honda CR-V
  By jbuswell - May 6 - 6:00 am

  Love my CRV - have always had Honda Accords and Civics. Interior leather is not cushy but it is very comfortable (firm). Chose between CRV and RAV - CRV is a better quality all the way around, just a more solid vehicle. CRV inside with 2 adults in front seems roomier as well. Love it!

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  Disappointed - 2015 Honda CR-V
  By toddf100 - May 5 - 4:15 am

  Ive had my 2015 CRV for a few weeks now, and Im disappointed. The positives are outweighed by the negatives. As others have stated, the engine is slow to heat up, and the heater is weak and has trouble keeping up in very cold weather. The CVT surges on the highway and suffers from a dead zone between 15-30 MPH. Hondas EPA fuel economy numbers are wildly inflated; expect 22-24 MPG in real world mixed driving. Ride quality on uneven surfaces is poor. The subwoofer is a joke and serves only to check a marketing box. The engine occasionally idles too low, inducing violent vibrations. Recently announced recall may require replacement of engine.

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  OK car, but a lot of kinks to work out. - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By happycam - May 4 - 2:56 am

  Overall I do like the car. It is fun to drive and has surprisingly good visibility (except on backing up). I like the look of the car both interior and exterior. In terms of pts for improvement: car has mediocre pickup. Seats arent comfortable. I find my back hurts after just 20-25 minutes of driving. Ive also encountered a number of problems that should have been worked out prior to release. If not, they should at least be flexible in dealing with the issue but theyre not. We bought 2 Hondas at the same time, the CR-V and a Civic. Really wishing we just got 2 Civics. The Civic drives far better and so far has no issues. And its significantly cheaper.

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  Go CR-V - 1997 Honda CR-V
  By Mike Ringo - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I must say this is by far the best vehicle i have ever owned.It has 75000.00 miles an all i`ve done was change tires and oil .Zero problems!! It`s value is still around $9000.00.GREAT VALUE ,i WILL BUY HONDA AGAIN.mjr

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  good vehicle - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By happyone - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive. Very fast compared to the Toyota RAV4 (2002). Super versitale.

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  My First SUV - 2003 Honda CR-V
  By Guy Montreal - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent drive with outstanding capabilities in the snow. Nice interior finish, smooth drive, very good acceleration for a 4 cyl SUV and very quiet engine. So far with 10000 km on it is a no problem SUV. The VTEC engine performs extremely well and it appears to be an outstanding technology. Only desappointment are the small tires and their noise

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  Well Worth It - 1999 Honda CR-V
  By DonaldZ - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I now have 95k miles with regular service only. I have grown to love the window control location. Great combination of room, looks, performance and fuel economy. Very good in snow. The table is cool, but I have yet to find a time to use it. Follow the regular scheduled service and you will have very little to complain about.

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  cant believe how happy we are with it - 2002 Honda CR-V
  By detroit_lion - April 30 - 2:00 am

  love it! in a word, this car is just easy. easy to own, easy to maintain, easy to drive, easy to ride, easy on the wallet, easy on fuel economy. easy, easy, easy. we have been so happy with it, its been unbelievable. cant believe you can get so much car for just 18.2K. thats less than an accord!